Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marion, SC (2025 Update)
- Marion Solar Installation Cost: $19,344
- 25-Year Savings: $29,934
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marion
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Marion.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Marion, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Because a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Marion, the average price of going solar will be about $19,344 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Marion can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marion
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-17,786 |
3 years | $-14,670 |
5 years | $-11,554 |
7 years | $-8,438 |
9 years | $-5,322 |
11 years | $-2,206 |
13 years | $910 |
15 years | $4,026 |
17 years | $7,142 |
19 years | $10,258 |
21 years | $13,374 |
23 years | $16,490 |
25 years | $19,606 |
Top Solar Installers in Marion
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Marion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marion
The cost of installing a solar system in Marion can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,450. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Marion, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Marion, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
---|---|---|---|---|
6 kW | $3.59 | $15,070 | $18,777 | 11.1 years |
8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $25,422 | 10.9 years |
10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $32,261 | 10.7 years |
12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $39,293 | 10.5 years |
14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $46,518 | 10.3 years |
16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $53,936 | 10.1 years |
18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $61,547 | 9.8 years |
20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $69,352 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Marion, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Marion, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marion?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Marion?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Marion, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.